Punjab and Haryana High Court Reprimands Lawyers for Using Mobile Phones and AI Tools During Court Arguments

In a stern directive, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken serious note of lawyers using mobile phones, artificial intelligence tools, and Google during court proceedings to respond to judicial queries. The Court emphasized that such practices are “wholly unacceptable” and reflect an unprofessional attitude.

In one notable instance, the Court seized the mobile device of a lawyer for a certain period as a measure to underscore the seriousness of the misconduct. Justice Sanjay Vashisth stated, “Such a practice is wholly unacceptable on two counts. Firstly, the use of mobile phone while addressing the arguments in the Court reflects a discourteous and unprofessional attitude, which cannot be condoned. Secondly, unlike iPads or laptops, which are considered professional tools integrated with the office setup and case files, mobile phones are not regarded as acceptable devices for use during arguments in the Court proceedings.”

The Court further recalled another case where a lawyer, upon being asked a query, took out his mobile phone to answer. Justice Vashisth remarked that the relevant information “ought to have been collected by the learned counsel in advance to the hearing, while preparing the case for arguments.”

Expressing concern, the Court noted, “We are concerned and bothered time and again by the respective members of the Bar using mobile phones during the course of hearing, just in front of the Court. Even sometimes, proceedings are stalled awaiting the answer, which would come only after retrieving information from such mobile phone.”

The Court also reminded the Bar Associations to sensitize their members regarding the prohibition on the use of mobile phones during hearings. It warned that repeated violations could compel the Court to pass harsh orders.

Case Title: RXXXXX v. State of Haryana